Ford Shows S-Max Concept

[rmc523]

http://m.autoblog.com/2013/08/28/ford-s-max-concept-preview/?post=1&icid=autoblog_river_article

 

Looks like Edge and S-Max won't merge after all

 

It seats 7 and has some interesting safety-related features that tie to passenger health....drivers seat has a heart rate monitor and there's a glucose level for kids with diabetes.

[jpd80]

S-Max will be the herald for the next generation Edge, I can't wait to see the North American CUV version of this vehicle.

 

Edited August 28, 2013 by jpd80

[rmc523]

S-Max will be the herald for the next generation Edge, I can't wait to see the North American CUV version of this vehicle.

 

I dunno that one [Edge] picture leaked on that PowerPoint presentation a while back didn't look like this, though perhaps that pic wasnt accurate. Edited August 28, 2013 by rmc523

[jpd80]

I dunno that one [Edge] picture leaked on that PowerPoint presentation a while back didn't look like this, though perhaps that pic wasnt accurate.

Possibly S-Max will partner more with mondeo (Fusion) front while Edge is free to have a more prominent Utility front?

That separation would then allow Ford to sell Edge alongside S-Max in Europe without internal competition

 

 

Edited August 28, 2013 by jpd80

[LSFan00]

That brown thing sure looks like a terribly deformed CRV to me.

[NLPRacing]

I think the new Edge will be to the new S-Max that the current Escape/Kuga is to the C-Max. Very similar, but also very different.

[Dustyw85]

The interior of this concept has knobs, which Ford said future vehicles would have.

 

[Deanh]

powertrains would be upsized for here, 1.5 eco boost in a 7 passenger????? questionable to say the least. However i wouldnt be surprized to see something like this show up here as a Flex replacement....

[silvrsvt]

Not sure what I think of the nose styling...too much '14 Fiesta and not enough '13 Fusion/Mondeo....I don't like the pointy grill look

 

Looked at some more photos, its not quite as bad as the '14 Fiesta from some angles...so I'm sure it looks fine in person.

Edited August 28, 2013 by silvrsvt

[RichardJensen]

It looks like the S-Max hasn't sold enough to pay for a new greenhouse.

[woodrowwilson]

Not in this market, but it could look a lot worse.

[Dustyw85]

[Biker16]

It looks like the S-Max hasn't sold enough to pay for a new greenhouse.

Huh?

 

did the escape?

 

It alreadt shared the B-pillar forward with the Galaxy.

[Biker16]

powertrains would be upsized for here, 1.5 eco boost in a 7 passenger????? questionable to say the least. However i wouldnt be surprized to see something like this show up here as a Flex replacement....

 

sound fine to me it will weight between 3500 and 3700lbs.

[Biker16]

Car and Driver Review of the current S-max

 

 

So, what are we missing out on? Well, the S-Max is a supremely comfortable, versatile vehicle that provides most of the utility of a full-size modern minivan with driving dynamics that are closer to a mid-size sedan’s. Plus, it has a smaller footprint, with an overall length of 187.9 inches compared with a Grand Caravan’s 202.5

 

.

 

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/ford-s-max-review-2011-ford-s-max-from-europe

Edited August 28, 2013 by Biker16

[Biker16]

This is the replacement for the Flex.

[LoveTaurus]

In Italian:

http://www.quattroruote.it/notizie/concept/ford-s-max-concept-un-prototipo-nato-a-torino

 

And Photo Gallery:

http://www.quattroruote.it/notizie/galleria-qrt/ford-s-max-2013-foto-ford-s-max?chiamante=416738&condivisa=1

Edited August 28, 2013 by LoveTaurus

[Biker16]

Ford S-MAX Concept Evolves Unique White Space Appeal

with Beautifully Crafted Design and Smart Technology

• New S-MAX Concept reveals Ford’s vision for future sport activity vehicle

• S-MAX Concept builds upon the popular current model’s style without compromise ethos with sleek design, detailed craftsmanship, advanced technologies and more flexible interior

• Connectivity and wellness features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, Ford ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat and Glucose Level Monitoring

• Advanced safety and convenience technologies include car-to-car communications, Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist, Dual-View Display and advanced version of Active Park Assist

• Dynamic driving appeal and efficiency delivered by new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine

COLOGNE, Germany, Aug. 28, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today revealed the new Ford S-MAX Concept, a new sport activity vehicle that takes the style-without-compromise ethos of the popular current S-MAX to new levels with a sharper design, advanced technology, and premium craftsmanship.

“When Ford unveiled the SAV – sport activity vehicle – Concept in 2005 it immediately captured the public’s imagination and inspired us to produce today’s S-MAX, a true white space vehicle,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Our new S-MAX Concept takes that unique appeal to the next level with Ford’s latest design and technology innovations for a new generation.”

The new S-MAX Concept employs the latest Ford global design language with a high mounted grille, swept-back headlamps and a unique treatment of the vehicle’s lower fascia that includes design elements that appear to float within the lower front aperture and above the spoiler.

The characteristic S-MAX profile has been honed with the front bonnet sweeping seamlessly into the sharply raked front screen, which in turn flows into the dynamic arc of the roof to create a unique glass roof graphic. This sleek silhouette surrounds a spacious and versatile interior that offers anything from four-to seven-seat configurations.

“S-MAX drivers are passionate and bring high expectations – they see their S-MAX as a one-of-a-kind vehicle,” said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. “Our mission was to exceed their expectations in every area while respecting the core of what they love about the S-MAX.”

Further exterior design cues include a feature line running along the side of the vehicle to deliver an impression of length and speed, sculptured muscular shoulders, and distinctive

For news releases, related materials, photos and video, visit www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.

Follow www.facebook.com/fordofeurope, www.twitter.com/FordEu or www.youtube.com/fordofeurope

2

headlamps featuring Organic LEDs – the latest development in lighting that offers greater flexibility in terms of positioning and design, fast response and colour range.

The S-MAX Concept interior is an expression of cutting-edge design, convenience, connectivity, flexibility, and craftsmanship.

The front cabin places the focus firmly on the driver. Dynamic shapes and forms combine in a high-set instrument panel that cuts back in the centre console and creates a feeling of space. The door panels are similarly sculptured and an innovative interior roof design maximises the feeling of spaciousness.

High quality materials, including an ultra-soft leather wrap for the instrument panel, and leather and carbon fibre detailing for the sculptured seats, give the interior a sophisticated aura.

“The fine detailing and visible craftsmanship in areas such as the instrument panel air vents reward the driver for really paying attention,” said Smith. “Each and every element of the interior stands up to close inspection with intricate and thoroughly considered design.”

The Ford S-MAX Concept also employs leading-edge Ford features and technologies to provide customers with new levels of connectivity and well-being as well as safety, convenience, and driving appeal.

The Ford SYNC system sits at the heart of the vehicle’s advanced connectivity features. Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch delivers wireless internet access for passengers, supported by a tablet docking station that allows second row occupants to seamlessly integrate their personal devices into the vehicle.

SYNC AppLink enables the driver to voice-control smart phone apps from an expanding list of service providers, which include Spotify, Kaliki, Glympse and Aha, bringing additional music, news, personalised information as well as location and navigation options into the vehicle.

SYNC also enables additional features to improve health and well-being:

• Ford’s ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat records the driver’s heart rate, delivering long-term heart activity data that would otherwise need to be recorded at medical centres, and offers the potential to connect with Ford SYNC to alert remote medical experts to unusual activity or even trigger active safety systems to take over in a case of emergency

• Glucose Level Monitoring connects with Ford SYNC could warn parents if a sleeping child in the rear seats suffers a diabetic episode

Sophisticated communications and sensor systems provide the S-MAX Concept with detailed information about the driving environment, to enhance awareness and safety:

• Ford’s advanced car-to-car communications technology enables the vehicle to talk to similarly equipped vehicles, delivering warnings in the event of oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the motorway, or if a vehicle has stopped in a potentially dangerous situation such as a blind bend in the road

• Ford Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist identifies pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent

For news releases, related materials, photos and video, visit www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.

Follow www.facebook.com/fordofeurope, www.twitter.com/FordEu or www.youtube.com/fordofeurope

3

• Advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring perpendicular parking capability, park out assist and Cross Traffic Alert is the next generation of Ford parking technology, able to control steering, gear selection and fore and aft movement, and assist drivers in leaving parking bays by alerting them to approaching traffic

The interior design offers a range of smart solutions to enhance flexibility and versatility:

• Thin Seat Technology is employed in the third row of seats, enabling the seats to be raised and lowered in a single action with minimum effort. An intelligent second row of seats makes it easy to get in and out, with a centre seat that folds into the vehicle‘s floor and allows for maximum versatility

• Dual-View Display in the centre console delivers different images to the driver and front passenger using the same screen, ensuring the driver receives important information without being distracted, while the front passenger can enjoy a movie at the same time

Advanced Ford powertrain ensures that the renowned S-MAX driving appeal is raised to a new level:

• High-efficiency powertrain features the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with turbocharging, twin-independent variable camshaft timing and further advanced technologies to enhance power and fuel economy

“The new S-MAX Concept is not only a unique proposition in terms of its uncompromised combination of styling, versatility and driver-focused dynamics, but also through its innovative technologies delivering superior safety, well-being and seamlessly integrated connectivity,” said Pim van der Jagt, executive technical leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “With the S-MAX Concept we aimed to demonstrate just how wide a scope of technologies Ford is preparing to deliver for customers in future generations of vehicles.”

Edited August 28, 2013 by Biker16

[AlRozzi]

Not sure what I think of the nose styling...too much '14 Fiesta and not enough '13 Fusion/Mondeo....I don't like the pointy grill look

 

Looked at some more photos, its not quite as bad as the '14 Fiesta from some angles...so I'm sure it looks fine in person.

I agree with you regarding the grille. I think it is being overplayed, but at least this one looks scaled down a bit. It would be fine to keep with a theme, but there could be more differentiation between models.

 

Otherwise I like the new S styling very much and I am quite picky when it comes to styling. I like the sleek, classy lines on this rendering and I hope it is a harbinger of what is to come.

[RichardJensen]

did the escape?

 

Yes. Ford sold over a million of them with the same greenhouse.

[RichardJensen]

This is the replacement for the Flex.

 

I'll believe that when I see it. If anything, the Galaxy replacement will replace the Flex. The 3rd row in this thing is too small for a Flex replacement.

Edited August 28, 2013 by RichardJensen

[Biker16]

Yes. Ford sold over a million of them with the same greenhouse.

 

hmm, does that mean they paid "for a new greenhouse"

 

then why does the new Escape's greenhouse look so similar to the C-max's?

Edited August 28, 2013 by Biker16

[Biker16]

I'll believe that when I see it. If anything, the Galaxy replacement will replace the Flex. The 3rd row in this thing is too small for a volume product in the NA market.

is that your opinon or a fact? I know get them confused sometimes.

 

BTW what is the rear legroom on the flex vs the S-max? since you are an Expert.

Edited August 28, 2013 by Biker16

[V8-X]

Possibly S-Max will partner more with mondeo (Fusion) front while Edge is free to have a more prominent Utility front?

That separation would then allow Ford to sell Edge alongside S-Max in Europe without internal competition

 

 

That concept Edge pictured above looks too much like the new Hyundai Santa Fe front end.

[RichardJensen]

hmm, does that mean they paid "for a new greenhouse"

 

then why does the new Escape's greenhouse look so similar to the C-max's?

 

In a word, yes. Profits from various C products, -including the Escape- funded the development of new C products. This is how businesses work.

 

As to the resemblance between the Escape & C-Max greenhouses, that is clearly due to a decision Ford made to *maximize* the profit they obtain from capital invested in a new product. Where did the capital come from? Sales of older models. It's simple, really.